 Boone may be small but there is no shortage of places to eat. One of the best parts about that is the majority are local restaurants with incredible food. Don’t waste your time eating at chain restaurants with standard options, check these out instead.
Proper
142 Water Street
Open for lunch and dinner Monday-Friday, and brunch on Sundays
For a taste of traditional southern cooking, nothing beats Proper. You can choose from a variety of entrees including pulled pork, fried chicken, crab cakes, and turkey and dressing. Then add two sides and cornbread or a biscuit for just  $8.95. Also, every drink is served in a mason jar – the epitome of southern style.
For other home-style options check out: Mountain House or Peppers
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Black Cat Burrito
127 North Depot Street
Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week
 Driving through Boone it’s hard not to notice the orange oval Black Cat Burrito bumper stickers everywhere. Black Cat not only offers their infamous burritos, but nachos, quesadillas, and more. I suggest their fish tacos or build your own nachos. Also, on the third Friday of every month, Black Cat features live music and dancing.
For other southwestern/Mexican options check out: Coyote Kitchen or Dos Amigos
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Hokkaido
1824 Blowing Rock Road
Open 7 days a week
For good Japanese food at a great price, Hokkaido is the premier place to go. For under $10 you can get soup, salad, and a plate full of hibachi, including their incredible shrimp sauce. They provide quick and pleasant service and are conveniently located in the Walmart shopping center.
For other Asian options check out: Cha Da Thai (Thai) or Hunan Park (Chinese)
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Sunrise Grill
1675 Highway 105
Open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week
One sure way to start your day off right is at Sunrise Grill. They have an extensive breakfast menu with all the essentials plus signature Sunrise specials. These include: quiche of the day, chicken and waffles, country scramble, and blueberry and cream cheese stuffed french toast (pictured).Â
For other breakfast options check out: Mountain Bagels or Melanie’s
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Char
179 Howard Street
Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week and brunch on Sundays
Most people only know Char as a nightclub, but during the day it provides upscale dining at its best. The dinnertime atmosphere is conducive to modern American dining with a fully stocked bar. I suggest starting with the spinach & artichoke dip with crabmeat then the cedar plank salmon entrée. Stick around until 10:30 for a live DJ and dancing.
For other upscale options check out: The Peddler or Casa RusticaÂ